neflier

First tandem in college at 21. Life got in the way. Last year did tandem #1 again, all the way through "B" at 42/43. Looking forward, not back!! Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

I started last year at The Ranch. The A was within a few dollars of $3k, with no repeats. If you're starting AFF, then talk to the school about your prior jumps to see what credit they're willing to give. I had done 1 tandem back in college, 20 years ago. My instructor said that if I could show that I did the jump, then it would count towards my 25. It was so long ago that I didn't want to go there. I hear you about the commitment of getting to the DZ. It takes me about 80 minutes to get to The Ranch. You're only an extra half hour. Plan on it being a full day and it's not so bad. There's a lot of waiting as a student. There's another DZ closer to me, but The Ranch is my home. I can't say enough good things about them. Shawanga!! Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

I got my A last year at The Ranch. Great facility, instructors and Pro Shop. There are many who travel up from NYC. Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

If anyone really wants an answer to this then write your local FSDO and ask for FAA legal to provide an interpretation. It will take several months, but you will get an answer, and it will be final. Been there, done that, on other issues. Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

If that's what you noticed, then I may have some bad news for you. Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

I thought that I heard it mentioned that if you start at a USPA DZ, then you should be able to continue at any USPA DZ. You may want to call The Ranch to find out if they can help you. SDLI closes for the season in November. The Ranch is open all year, provided the runway is clear of ice and snow. I call The Ranch my home DZ, but have been to SDLI a few times. Great times at both DZs. Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

FWIW, I'm a noob, just went through this myself and agonized over the decision. What worked for me was a new container (Infinity), new reserve, new AAD and used main with under 100 jumps on it. Total cost was $6,500. I can sell the main for what I paid for, so little to no loss there when I eventually downsize. The container can handle two downsizes from my current main. I would have preferred a used reserve, but couldn't find an Optimum in the right size. I probably should have gone for a used AAD. As others have said, talk with your instructors before buying anything. Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

Based on your profile, your home DZ is SDLI. I'm on Long Island and my home DZ is The Ranch. I'm new to this sport, started this year and got my A in July. From one noob to another, I can't say enough good things about The Ranch Pro Shop. Sonic and Donna are class acts. They have a real Pro Shop and are eager to spend the time with their customers. They took the time to answer all of my questions and got me setup with the right gear. My harness/container is new and Sonic had me try on several of his rigs so that I could feel the differences between the options. He spent a few hours to go over these options, colors, etc. The Ranch is about a 2.5 hour drive from central LI. Why not take a trip up there? As a student, I was on a load with a solo student from another DZ. Talk to the instructors and you may be able to get a few solos in. If you get up there, check out the wrist wrap altimeter mount. I'll never go back to the Altimaster "O-ring". Send me a PM if you'll be at SDLI during the boogie next weekend. Blue skies Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

I'm finishing my A and did both a 5,500' and 3,500'. Life is too short to drink cheap beer.

Regarding #3, what should someone budget for the first year? I'm talking about going from zero to A license and a first rig? Does anyone have a best guess for either The Ranch or SDLI? I'm currently saving as much as I can and would like a target number. Thanks!! Life is too short to drink cheap beer.